Philly-Afghan Info Hub Newsletter, October 5th, 2026
US / National News
- Some USCIS immigration fees will increase October 16
Starting October 16, 2026, some U.S. immigration-related fees will increase due to an inflation adjustment.
The changes affect certain applications and fees related to asylum, work permits (EAD), parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS), with increases generally ranging from $3 to $30.
Why it matters: Afghan immigrants and applicants should check the current fee for their specific application before submitting it, as the amount depends on the type of immigration service and any applicable exemptions.
More information: We will share a more detailed explanation of these changes and what they may mean for Afghans in the Philadelphia area in an upcoming newsletter.
Philadelphia / Local News
- Philadelphia launches effort to help residents keep Medicaid coverage
- Philadelphia city agencies have launched One Philly Medicaid Access, a new outreach effort to help residents understand and maintain their Medicaid coverage as new eligibility and renewal requirements take effect.
- Some legal immigrants, including certain people with asylum or humanitarian parole status, are already affected by changes, while additional requirements for some Medicaid recipients will take effect in the coming months.
- Why it matters: Afghan residents in Philadelphia who rely on Medicaid should pay close attention to notices about their eligibility, renewal and documentation requirements. The city is encouraging residents to seek help rather than risk losing coverage because of missed paperwork or deadlines.
Help: Pennsylvania DHS: 877-883-6383 | BenePhilly: 844-848-4376
Afghanistan / Diaspora News
- Chatham House honors Afghan women with its 2026 award
- The UK-based Chatham House has selected the women of Afghanistan as the recipient of its 2026 award, recognizing their courage and continued efforts to defend women’s rights, education and participation in public life despite restrictions under the Taliban.
- Chatham House said Afghan women and girls continue to face restrictions on education, employment and movement, while women across Afghanistan continue to resist these limitations and advocate for their rights.
- Why it matters: For Afghan women and families in Philadelphia, the award recognizes the experiences and ongoing efforts of women in their community and in Afghanistan, while drawing international attention to issues that continue to affect Afghan families across the diaspora.
- Afghan man sentenced to six months for SIV visa fraud
The U.S. Department of Justice says an Afghan national, Delbargul Delbar, was sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty to visa fraud related to his application for the U.S. Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program.
According to the Justice Department, Delbar applied for an SIV in 2017 and again online in 2021. Investigators said he paid others to prepare the applications and knew that some of the supporting documents and statements were false. He was arrested in May 2025.
Prosecutors said he knowingly submitted false documents, including a fabricated letter attributed to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul and false employment records, in support of his SIV applications.
He entered the United States in 2024 and had obtained permanent residency.
Why it matters: The case highlights the serious legal consequences of submitting fraudulent documents in U.S. immigration and SIV applications and may be particularly important for Afghan applicants and families navigating the SIV process.
- Regional talks focus on Afghanistan amid Pakistan tensions
- Pakistan, the Taliban, and representatives from several neighboring countries are attending the eighth Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan.
- The meeting comes amid renewed military tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and concerns about their impact on Afghan civilians.
Why it matters: Many Afghans in Philadelphia have family members in Afghanistan or Pakistan. Continued tensions between the two countries could affect the safety and movement of their relatives, as well as travel and communication between families in the U.S. and the region.